By Farid Omar.
In a much anticipated interview that aired on Toronto's Ogaal Radio 88.9FM, Farhia M. Absie recounted the circumstances surrounding her resignation from the Voice of America (VOA) Somali Service to anchor Hassan Abdillahi Omar “Karate.”
Farhia, a renowned Somali journalist and documentary producer, joined the VOA in January 2008 as a contractor working on various assignments but was forced quit on January 27th 2010 over allegations that she was subjected to discrimination, mistreatment, harassment and intimidation at the hands of her immediate boss at the VOA.
In presenting her case to the Somali public and wider society in general, Farhia, who has been at loggerheads with her boss almost right from the beginning, told Toronto's popular Ogaal Radio that the VOA is rife with nepotism, being dominated by an agenda not conducive to the national interest of Somalia.
Farhia is among the Somali nationals who left the country to settle in the west prior to the outbreak of the civil war. On her life in exile, Farhia informed Radio Ogaal that she migrated to the US at a tender age and had obtained both her high school and post secondary education in America.
Having left Somalia at a time when the country enjoyed real statehood and nationalist feelings were abound among the citizenry, Farhia had escaped the ravages of civil strife that has led to social disintegration, divisive politics and the anarchic chaos that has torn apart the Somali social fabric over the last 19 years.
Far removed from the protracted Somali conflict, Farhia grew up in an environment free from communal fragmentation that unfortunately, is the common place in war-torn Somalia. On this note, she told Ogaal Radio that at the VOA's Somali Service, she found herself in an unfamiliar territory and the tension prevalent there eventually prompted her exit from the station.
Prior to joining the VOA, Ogaal Radio detailed Farhia’s impressive academic and career record and more notably, her employment at reputable institutions such as the University Of Washington State in Seattle, WA, and JFS in Columbus Ohio. On record, Farhia holds a joint degree in Information Systems and Human Services and has spent over ten years working in the field of human services. She also holds accredited journalistic credentials both as a writer and documentary producer.
A true social activist, Farhia is not only a long time advocate for social and community development but has also developed a passion for journalism in which she has demonstrated to her peers and the public, her brand of objective and progressive journalism that the Somali people have been yearning for so long.
In the phone-in session that followed the interview, the majority of Ogaal Radio listeners heaped praise on Farhia for her courage and honest assessment of the situation, describing her as a Somali nationalist and a true professional in the service of her community. Since her resignation, Farhia has been overwhelmed by the massive support she has received from the Somali community and the general public, being inundated with countless emails, phones and other forms of correspondence.
Certainly, Farhia’s exit from the VOA does not signal her departure from public limelight. In her concluding remarks, she told Ogaal Radio’s listenership that she is embarking on a documentary production project and would continue to work as a journalist to highlight the challenges facing both Somalia and its Diaspora communities as well as bring to the fore positive developments in the global Somali community. In fostering unity among Somalis, she calls for all concerned to transcend clan divisions.
Farhia represents a glowing example of the hard working, articulate Somali women whose contributions are rarely acknowledged in the community. Her steadfastness for the truth and persistence in calling for soul searching among Somalis speaks volumes of her courage and personality and by extension, the courage and determination of Somali women who on daily basis, work against all odds to support their families, build their communities and strive for a progressive agenda that can chart the way forward for Somalia. She is indeed, a perfect role model worth emulating.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Maradona's Argentina Remains a Potent Force
By Farid Omar.
As the qualifying for the FIFA 2010 World Cup slated for South Africa was winding down in the COMNEBOL, South American zone, Argentina's near peril of missing an automatic qualifying spot dominated soccer headlines from across the world.
Of course, a world cup without Argentina, a major soccer power house, would be unimaginable. Add this to the fact that Argentina is led by their beloved Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest soccer player to ever play the game, alongside Brazil's Pele. Worse still, Argentina boasts of the finest soccer player on the planet today in the name of Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, the 2009 FIFA world player of the year
Last season, the Barcelona playmaker led his Barca team to an unprecedented six titles having won the Spanish La Liga and Copa Delray, UEFA's Champions League title, the Spanish and European Super Cups and the 2009 FIFA World Club Championship. But during the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds, Messi has been but a shadow of himself, finding it difficult to click in an Argentine side bereft of ideas.
Since taking over, Argentina's overall competitive record under Maradona is four defeats and four wins, with 13 goals conceded and only ten scored. Certainly, this is a damning indictment for a man who has at his disposal, world class strikers like Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín and stalwart defenders in Javier Mascherano, Javier Zanetti and Gabriel Heinze.
The Messi factor has puzzled many in the soccer world. Ossie Ardiles, a world cup winner in 1978 and a former team mate of Diego Maradona recently said "It's another problem we have. How can we have the best player in the world and he cannot perform?" As Argentina precariously hung on a thread, Ardiles described his country’s prospect of missing out on South Africa 2010 as “catastrophe, disaster, unthinkable”.
In an embarrassing campaign, Maradona's Argentina suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of lowly Bolivia. The loss went into the records as Argentina's heaviest defeat in international soccer in 51 years. Maradona's shaky team also suffered a high profile 3-1 home defeat to arch rivals Brazil in Rosario.
Against all odds, Argentina finally emerged from the doldrums in its last two crucial qualifying matches, securing a last gasp 2-1 win against Peru and a late 1-0 decider away to Uruguay to clinch the fourth and last automatic qualifying spot for the COMNEBOL zone.
The less than inspiring qualifying campaign has important lessons for Argentina. First, Maradona is a living proof that being a world class player does not necessarily translate into being a great manager. For Argentina to do well in South Africa, Maradona should solicit the advice of Argentina's soccer legends, the likes of Mario Kempes, Ossie Ardiles and Daniel Passarella.
Another key problem is Maradona's inability to motivate and inspire his players. As a coach, Maradona must demand a 100 percent commitment from his players and adopt a no nonsense approach to the game. These, combined with correct tactics and team line-up, could elevate Argentina to its traditionally potent, technical and efficient game that has been the hallmark of its attractive soccer for decades.
At the peak of his career, Maradona had the ability to change the game by himself without having to depend on his coach or teammates. As a coach, Maradona should not approach the game the way a striker does. He should learn to draw a clear line between coaching and playing and focus on coach-driven tactics and techniques that can help deliver the game in his favour.
Apart from the media, most of Argentina's influential soccer personalities including former coaches, past and current soccer administrators and his former world cup team mates have mostly shied away from criticizing Maradona's tactics. This is understandable, given that Maradona enjoys a near deity status in Argentina.
For the interest of Argentine soccer, Maradona should not be immune from constructive criticism, and especially from the upper echelons of Argentine soccer that has the power and influence to shape the national team's fortunes.
His poor record at the qualifiers notwithstanding, Maradona can count on Messi, who in the eyes of many pundits, remains a playmaker of the highest calibre. Messi definitely has the opportunity to redeem himself in South Africa by guiding his team to world cup glory.
AC Milan and England’s David Beckham has heaped praise on Messi proclaiming that the Argentine is one of the best players he has ever seen. He went on to compare Messi’s trademark style to that of Maradona, saying “He’s the closest player to Maradona that you can get, and he even plays in a similar passionate way too”.
No doubt, Maradona remains one of the biggest names in the game and his iconic status in world soccer is unquestionable. With the right team selection, tactics and of course psychological and mental edge, Argentina under Maradona has the potential to take South Africa 2010 by storm and even secure its elusive third world cup title. By doing so, Maradona will earn the distinction of winning the world cup both as a player and manager.
As the qualifying for the FIFA 2010 World Cup slated for South Africa was winding down in the COMNEBOL, South American zone, Argentina's near peril of missing an automatic qualifying spot dominated soccer headlines from across the world.
Of course, a world cup without Argentina, a major soccer power house, would be unimaginable. Add this to the fact that Argentina is led by their beloved Diego Maradona, arguably the greatest soccer player to ever play the game, alongside Brazil's Pele. Worse still, Argentina boasts of the finest soccer player on the planet today in the name of Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona, the 2009 FIFA world player of the year
Last season, the Barcelona playmaker led his Barca team to an unprecedented six titles having won the Spanish La Liga and Copa Delray, UEFA's Champions League title, the Spanish and European Super Cups and the 2009 FIFA World Club Championship. But during the 2010 World Cup qualifying rounds, Messi has been but a shadow of himself, finding it difficult to click in an Argentine side bereft of ideas.
Since taking over, Argentina's overall competitive record under Maradona is four defeats and four wins, with 13 goals conceded and only ten scored. Certainly, this is a damning indictment for a man who has at his disposal, world class strikers like Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín and stalwart defenders in Javier Mascherano, Javier Zanetti and Gabriel Heinze.
The Messi factor has puzzled many in the soccer world. Ossie Ardiles, a world cup winner in 1978 and a former team mate of Diego Maradona recently said "It's another problem we have. How can we have the best player in the world and he cannot perform?" As Argentina precariously hung on a thread, Ardiles described his country’s prospect of missing out on South Africa 2010 as “catastrophe, disaster, unthinkable”.
In an embarrassing campaign, Maradona's Argentina suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat at the hands of lowly Bolivia. The loss went into the records as Argentina's heaviest defeat in international soccer in 51 years. Maradona's shaky team also suffered a high profile 3-1 home defeat to arch rivals Brazil in Rosario.
Against all odds, Argentina finally emerged from the doldrums in its last two crucial qualifying matches, securing a last gasp 2-1 win against Peru and a late 1-0 decider away to Uruguay to clinch the fourth and last automatic qualifying spot for the COMNEBOL zone.
The less than inspiring qualifying campaign has important lessons for Argentina. First, Maradona is a living proof that being a world class player does not necessarily translate into being a great manager. For Argentina to do well in South Africa, Maradona should solicit the advice of Argentina's soccer legends, the likes of Mario Kempes, Ossie Ardiles and Daniel Passarella.
Another key problem is Maradona's inability to motivate and inspire his players. As a coach, Maradona must demand a 100 percent commitment from his players and adopt a no nonsense approach to the game. These, combined with correct tactics and team line-up, could elevate Argentina to its traditionally potent, technical and efficient game that has been the hallmark of its attractive soccer for decades.
At the peak of his career, Maradona had the ability to change the game by himself without having to depend on his coach or teammates. As a coach, Maradona should not approach the game the way a striker does. He should learn to draw a clear line between coaching and playing and focus on coach-driven tactics and techniques that can help deliver the game in his favour.
Apart from the media, most of Argentina's influential soccer personalities including former coaches, past and current soccer administrators and his former world cup team mates have mostly shied away from criticizing Maradona's tactics. This is understandable, given that Maradona enjoys a near deity status in Argentina.
For the interest of Argentine soccer, Maradona should not be immune from constructive criticism, and especially from the upper echelons of Argentine soccer that has the power and influence to shape the national team's fortunes.
His poor record at the qualifiers notwithstanding, Maradona can count on Messi, who in the eyes of many pundits, remains a playmaker of the highest calibre. Messi definitely has the opportunity to redeem himself in South Africa by guiding his team to world cup glory.
AC Milan and England’s David Beckham has heaped praise on Messi proclaiming that the Argentine is one of the best players he has ever seen. He went on to compare Messi’s trademark style to that of Maradona, saying “He’s the closest player to Maradona that you can get, and he even plays in a similar passionate way too”.
No doubt, Maradona remains one of the biggest names in the game and his iconic status in world soccer is unquestionable. With the right team selection, tactics and of course psychological and mental edge, Argentina under Maradona has the potential to take South Africa 2010 by storm and even secure its elusive third world cup title. By doing so, Maradona will earn the distinction of winning the world cup both as a player and manager.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Cabinda Shooting Should Have no Bearing on the FIFAWorld Cup in South Africa
By Farid Omar
The timely decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) not to call off the African Cup of Nations (ACN) tournament in Angola despite the deadly gunfire by secessionist rebels, who targeted the Togolese national squad two days before kick off, should be hailed as a brave and bold move by the continental football authority.
In a grisly incident that shook millions around the world, the bus ferrying the Togolese players came under heavy fire from rebels shortly after crossing into Angola’s Cabinda enclave from Congolese territory. The restive enclave is cut off from the rest of Angola by a strip of Congolese land on the Atlantic Coast. The Cabinda Enclave Liberation Front (FLEC) has been fighting to breakaway from Angola in attempts to establish an independent homeland in the oil rich enclave that accounts for 60 percent of Angola’s oil production.
The Togolese contingent suffered heavy casualties as the bus driver, assistant coach and team spokesman all died in the attack while several players were injured. The reserve goalkeeper, reportedly in critical condition at the time of the incident, was airlifted to South Africa and is now listed as stable.
When news of the attack started trickling in, skeptics called for an outright cancellation of the ACN, citing security concerns. But calling off the event, expected to be the continent’s largest ever, would be seen as giving in to political violence as this would encourage violent militants to target other international sporting events in future.
Despite the deadly incident, the ACN went ahead and kicked off to the best start it could ever dream of, with the Freddie Kanoute’s marshaled Mali, wiping out a massive 0-4 goal deficit in spectacular fashion by scoring four times in the last 11 minutes to tie with host nation Angola 4-4. It was an explosive opening game that elevated the spirit of a tournament overshadowed by the tragic event.
It is understandable that Togo had to pull out of the tournament to allow its players who are in state of shock, to mourn their dead. But it would be pointless to ask CAF to scrap the competition as it would reward the cowards behind the attack and mean that any competition is stoppable at any time. The Cabinda incident should be seen as an isolated one and participating teams should certainly put their faith on reassurances by Angolan officials who have vowed to guarantee their security.
The ACN is the largest football showpiece in the continent and it is unfortunate that the attack in Cabinda came less than six months before the continent hosts Football’s biggest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, slated for South Africa in June.
In some footballing circles, the Cabinda shooting has raised security questions for the FIFA World Cup. But given South Africa’s successful hosting of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, it is clear that the land of Madiba has already passed the World Cup test. It is worth noting that the rainbow nation has elaborate security measures in place and can guarantee the safety of all world cup teams.
Following the Cabinda incident, detractors were quick to attack South Africa’s security credentials for the FIFA World Cup. There is no reason why the incident in Cabinda should have any impact on the World Cup in June. In fact questioning South Africa’s security capabilities speaks of double standards.
Speaking to the BBC, Danny Jordaan, the South African World Cup boss, was clear on this. "When there was a bomb in London no-one said we should not have 2012 (Olympics) in London so we cannot have double standards."
Certainly, South Africa cannot bear any responsibility of what has happened in Angola. Jordaan noted that the majority of the world is not influenced by a distorted understanding of the African continent. He told the BBC that "If there is a war in Kosovo and a World Cup in Germany, no-one asks if the World Cup can go on in Germany, everyone understands the war in Kosovo is a war in Kosovo”
"The world must be balanced and must not apply different standards when it comes to the African continent. Our World Cup is secure and we are confident because we have employed a lot of resources to safeguard the event in our country." He said.
South Africa should not be singled out for any perceived lapse in security. This is because terrorism and political violence in general are global and no single country in the world can offer 100 percent guarantee against any security threats.
President Obama described the botched Christmas Day airline bombing as constituting a “systemic failure” and a “catastrophic lapse in security” - an indication that even the most sophisticated security systems in the US and Europe where the Detroit bound plane originated can be breached
The 2010 ACN is poised to live up to its billing as the continent’s most spectacular tournament ever. And come June, South Africa is ready to host the world in what promises to be a scintillating World Cup to remember.
The timely decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) not to call off the African Cup of Nations (ACN) tournament in Angola despite the deadly gunfire by secessionist rebels, who targeted the Togolese national squad two days before kick off, should be hailed as a brave and bold move by the continental football authority.
In a grisly incident that shook millions around the world, the bus ferrying the Togolese players came under heavy fire from rebels shortly after crossing into Angola’s Cabinda enclave from Congolese territory. The restive enclave is cut off from the rest of Angola by a strip of Congolese land on the Atlantic Coast. The Cabinda Enclave Liberation Front (FLEC) has been fighting to breakaway from Angola in attempts to establish an independent homeland in the oil rich enclave that accounts for 60 percent of Angola’s oil production.
The Togolese contingent suffered heavy casualties as the bus driver, assistant coach and team spokesman all died in the attack while several players were injured. The reserve goalkeeper, reportedly in critical condition at the time of the incident, was airlifted to South Africa and is now listed as stable.
When news of the attack started trickling in, skeptics called for an outright cancellation of the ACN, citing security concerns. But calling off the event, expected to be the continent’s largest ever, would be seen as giving in to political violence as this would encourage violent militants to target other international sporting events in future.
Despite the deadly incident, the ACN went ahead and kicked off to the best start it could ever dream of, with the Freddie Kanoute’s marshaled Mali, wiping out a massive 0-4 goal deficit in spectacular fashion by scoring four times in the last 11 minutes to tie with host nation Angola 4-4. It was an explosive opening game that elevated the spirit of a tournament overshadowed by the tragic event.
It is understandable that Togo had to pull out of the tournament to allow its players who are in state of shock, to mourn their dead. But it would be pointless to ask CAF to scrap the competition as it would reward the cowards behind the attack and mean that any competition is stoppable at any time. The Cabinda incident should be seen as an isolated one and participating teams should certainly put their faith on reassurances by Angolan officials who have vowed to guarantee their security.
The ACN is the largest football showpiece in the continent and it is unfortunate that the attack in Cabinda came less than six months before the continent hosts Football’s biggest tournament, the FIFA World Cup, slated for South Africa in June.
In some footballing circles, the Cabinda shooting has raised security questions for the FIFA World Cup. But given South Africa’s successful hosting of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, it is clear that the land of Madiba has already passed the World Cup test. It is worth noting that the rainbow nation has elaborate security measures in place and can guarantee the safety of all world cup teams.
Following the Cabinda incident, detractors were quick to attack South Africa’s security credentials for the FIFA World Cup. There is no reason why the incident in Cabinda should have any impact on the World Cup in June. In fact questioning South Africa’s security capabilities speaks of double standards.
Speaking to the BBC, Danny Jordaan, the South African World Cup boss, was clear on this. "When there was a bomb in London no-one said we should not have 2012 (Olympics) in London so we cannot have double standards."
Certainly, South Africa cannot bear any responsibility of what has happened in Angola. Jordaan noted that the majority of the world is not influenced by a distorted understanding of the African continent. He told the BBC that "If there is a war in Kosovo and a World Cup in Germany, no-one asks if the World Cup can go on in Germany, everyone understands the war in Kosovo is a war in Kosovo”
"The world must be balanced and must not apply different standards when it comes to the African continent. Our World Cup is secure and we are confident because we have employed a lot of resources to safeguard the event in our country." He said.
South Africa should not be singled out for any perceived lapse in security. This is because terrorism and political violence in general are global and no single country in the world can offer 100 percent guarantee against any security threats.
President Obama described the botched Christmas Day airline bombing as constituting a “systemic failure” and a “catastrophic lapse in security” - an indication that even the most sophisticated security systems in the US and Europe where the Detroit bound plane originated can be breached
The 2010 ACN is poised to live up to its billing as the continent’s most spectacular tournament ever. And come June, South Africa is ready to host the world in what promises to be a scintillating World Cup to remember.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Ogaal Radio's Hassan Abdillahi Receives Media Award at NEPMCC Event
By Farid Omar.
Members of the Somali-Canadian community and Canadians in general continue to congratulate Mr. Hassan Abdillahi "Karate" the Founder, President and Host of Ogaal Radio (Somali Media), FM 88.9, for being presented with a NEPMCC media award by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the November 21-22, 2009, National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), Development Training Seminar at Seneca College.
Mr. Hassan Abdillahi has clearly emerged as an influential media personality in Canada and his increasingly popular Ogaal Radio has joined the ranks of the most progressive and highly recognizable ethnic media outlets in Canada.
Popularly known as “Karate”, Mr. Hassan Abdillahi is a respected journalist and community leader with twelve years experience in community radio programming.
OGAAL RADIO is the largest Somali language Community radio in Canada and it's weekly broadcasts reach a large, diverse audience in the GTA and other parts of Southern Ontario and millions worldwide through the internet. It broadcasts live every Sundays on CIRV Radio, 88.9FM, 10:00pm – 12am.
The mandate of Ogaal Radio is to meet the news, information and entertainment needs of the Somali and all Somali speaking communities in Ontario and rest of Canada. The Radio's potential audience is estimated at over 150, 000 listeners, comprising mainly of Canadians of Somali and East African descent as well as immigrants and newcomers to Ontario.
From Coast to Coast, the Somali-Canadian and North American Somali Diaspora community in general have rejoiced at the news that an important, hardworking member of their community has received such an important recognition.
Mahad Isaniye, the Executive Director of the Somali Community of British Columbia, said that it is“wonderful news, to see a Somali person who cares about his people receives an award. It is a deserving gesture from the Prime Minister to recognize such a person who created a radio station and supported his community with his effort and dedication”.
Speaking at the NEPMCC training seminar, Prime Minister Harper called upon journalists to “shine light into dark corners and assist the process of holding governments accountable” adding that “Members of the ethnic press and their readers understand what it's like in countries where truth is only what the state says it is and journalists are co-opted as government mouthpieces or threatened with their lives”.
The NEPMCC is a non-profit media organization made up of journalists representing editors and publishers of diverse cultural media across Canada. The organization promotes excellence, understanding and cooperation among its members. The purpose of the seminar is to provide training on best practices in Canadian journalism and skills development for the NEPMCC members.
The NEPMCC media training conference brought together more that 150 members of Canada’s ethnic media who traveled from across Canada to attend the historic event held at Seneca’s Markham College.
The event was also attended by a large number of dignitaries including Honourable Jason Kenney, M.P., Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Honourable Peter Kent, MP., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Canada, Honourable Bob Rae, M.P, Honourable Justin Trudeau, M.P, Honourable Gerry Phillips, M.P.P., Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Timothy Hudak, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and Mr. Scott Shortliffe, Director, Policy and Program, Canada Magazine Fund.
Seneca’s President, David Agnew, was delighted that the conference gives the College the opportunity to share its expertise from several programs with “an important industry, whose members reflect the diversity of our own staff and student population, and to provide them with information to better serve their communities.”
Thomas Saras, President and CEO of NEPMCC, hailed the important partnership between Seneca and NEPMCC saying that Seneca College has developed sessions designed “ to meet the needs of ethnic media, tying together our objectives of better marketing ourselves, encouraging and recognizing excellence in content, and encouraging professional and business development in the field.”
Ogaal Radio will continue to play an important role in NEPMCC circles. The lively Radio informs, engages, delights and empowers its target audience through original programming that include news analysis and commentary, interviews and interactive on air discussion with and between listeners.
More importantly, Ogaal Radio provides a forum for extensive cultural, musical and artistic expressions along with socially progressive ideas which arise from communities who are socially, politically and economically disadvantaged and whose access to mainstream media is limited.
Overall, it provides a progressive voice for the socially disadvantaged including women and other marginalized sectors of society whose views and artistic expressions are not represented in the mainstream media.
Ogaal Radio makes programming decisions based on the area's listening needs and encourages listener participation in all activities. Every week, the radio receives a large volume of phones from its listeners throughout the GTA and southern Ontario.
Members of the Somali-Canadian community and Canadians in general continue to congratulate Mr. Hassan Abdillahi "Karate" the Founder, President and Host of Ogaal Radio (Somali Media), FM 88.9, for being presented with a NEPMCC media award by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the November 21-22, 2009, National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC), Development Training Seminar at Seneca College.
Mr. Hassan Abdillahi has clearly emerged as an influential media personality in Canada and his increasingly popular Ogaal Radio has joined the ranks of the most progressive and highly recognizable ethnic media outlets in Canada.
Popularly known as “Karate”, Mr. Hassan Abdillahi is a respected journalist and community leader with twelve years experience in community radio programming.
OGAAL RADIO is the largest Somali language Community radio in Canada and it's weekly broadcasts reach a large, diverse audience in the GTA and other parts of Southern Ontario and millions worldwide through the internet. It broadcasts live every Sundays on CIRV Radio, 88.9FM, 10:00pm – 12am.
The mandate of Ogaal Radio is to meet the news, information and entertainment needs of the Somali and all Somali speaking communities in Ontario and rest of Canada. The Radio's potential audience is estimated at over 150, 000 listeners, comprising mainly of Canadians of Somali and East African descent as well as immigrants and newcomers to Ontario.
From Coast to Coast, the Somali-Canadian and North American Somali Diaspora community in general have rejoiced at the news that an important, hardworking member of their community has received such an important recognition.
Mahad Isaniye, the Executive Director of the Somali Community of British Columbia, said that it is“wonderful news, to see a Somali person who cares about his people receives an award. It is a deserving gesture from the Prime Minister to recognize such a person who created a radio station and supported his community with his effort and dedication”.
Speaking at the NEPMCC training seminar, Prime Minister Harper called upon journalists to “shine light into dark corners and assist the process of holding governments accountable” adding that “Members of the ethnic press and their readers understand what it's like in countries where truth is only what the state says it is and journalists are co-opted as government mouthpieces or threatened with their lives”.
The NEPMCC is a non-profit media organization made up of journalists representing editors and publishers of diverse cultural media across Canada. The organization promotes excellence, understanding and cooperation among its members. The purpose of the seminar is to provide training on best practices in Canadian journalism and skills development for the NEPMCC members.
The NEPMCC media training conference brought together more that 150 members of Canada’s ethnic media who traveled from across Canada to attend the historic event held at Seneca’s Markham College.
The event was also attended by a large number of dignitaries including Honourable Jason Kenney, M.P., Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Honourable Peter Kent, MP., Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Canada, Honourable Bob Rae, M.P, Honourable Justin Trudeau, M.P, Honourable Gerry Phillips, M.P.P., Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Timothy Hudak, Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and Mr. Scott Shortliffe, Director, Policy and Program, Canada Magazine Fund.
Seneca’s President, David Agnew, was delighted that the conference gives the College the opportunity to share its expertise from several programs with “an important industry, whose members reflect the diversity of our own staff and student population, and to provide them with information to better serve their communities.”
Thomas Saras, President and CEO of NEPMCC, hailed the important partnership between Seneca and NEPMCC saying that Seneca College has developed sessions designed “ to meet the needs of ethnic media, tying together our objectives of better marketing ourselves, encouraging and recognizing excellence in content, and encouraging professional and business development in the field.”
Ogaal Radio will continue to play an important role in NEPMCC circles. The lively Radio informs, engages, delights and empowers its target audience through original programming that include news analysis and commentary, interviews and interactive on air discussion with and between listeners.
More importantly, Ogaal Radio provides a forum for extensive cultural, musical and artistic expressions along with socially progressive ideas which arise from communities who are socially, politically and economically disadvantaged and whose access to mainstream media is limited.
Overall, it provides a progressive voice for the socially disadvantaged including women and other marginalized sectors of society whose views and artistic expressions are not represented in the mainstream media.
Ogaal Radio makes programming decisions based on the area's listening needs and encourages listener participation in all activities. Every week, the radio receives a large volume of phones from its listeners throughout the GTA and southern Ontario.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Global Poverty on the Rise
By Farid Omar
On Saturday, October 17th, social justice activists and concerned global citizens from around the world will observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Since the 1990s, the eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries, in particular developing countries, has become one of the priorities of development, considering that the promotion of eradication of poverty and destitution requires public awareness.
First observed on October 17, 1987, when over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all States “to devote the Day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution”.
The Resolution further invites intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations “to assist states, at their request, in organizing national activities for the observance of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, paying due attention to the specific problems of the destitute”
According to the UN, October 17th presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the centre of the Day's celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of October 17th also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.
With the global economic crisis, the food crisis and the impacts of climate change combining to reverse the gains made over the past few years in reducing poverty, redoubled efforts by world leaders are required if nations are to continue to move forward on achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
As the gap between the super rich and the poorest communities on the planet continues to grow, global poverty, more than ever before, is alarmingly on the rise.Throughout the world, it is mostly women and children who bear the brunt of poverty. The year 2009 coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,which will be marked on November 20th. UN figures show that each year, nearly 10 million children die from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, and that that some 1.2 million children are trafficked worldwide.
In recognition of this, the 2009 observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty focuses on the plight of children and families living in poverty and the need to fulfill children's rights in partnership with them and in keeping with the Convention.
When it comes to global poverty, the statistics are grim. Every 3 seconds, a child dies of extreme poverty. Over 1 billion people around the world live on less than $1 a day while in Canada, over 1 million children live in poverty. In addressing these challenges, anti-poverty groups in Canada and beyond demand a more and better aid for developing nations, trade justice, debt cancellation and an end to child poverty.
Despite rapid economic growth in the last two decades, it is estimated that a large number of Canadians still live in poverty. But a Pan-Canadian Movement to combat poverty is fast building as activists are mobilizing across the country to spearhead a united front to eliminate poverty in Canada. Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada, was founded in 2009 by Canada Without Poverty and Citizens for Public Justice. The campaign notes that freedom from poverty is a human right and that all are entitled to social and economic security.
In combating the structural causes of poverty in Canada, the Dignity for All Campaign calls for a sustained action by the federal government including a federal plan for poverty elimination that compliments provincial and territorial plans, a federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results and a sufficient federal investment in social security for all Canadians.
On the international front, concerted efforts by social justice and anti-poverty groups, international organizations and governments from around the world are needed to make poverty history.
On Saturday, October 17th, social justice activists and concerned global citizens from around the world will observe the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Since the 1990s, the eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries, in particular developing countries, has become one of the priorities of development, considering that the promotion of eradication of poverty and destitution requires public awareness.
First observed on October 17, 1987, when over a hundred thousand people gathered at the Trocadéro in Paris, to honour the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly through resolution 47/196 adopted on 22 December 1992, declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and invited all States “to devote the Day to presenting and promoting, as appropriate in the national context, concrete activities with regard to the eradication of poverty and destitution”.
The Resolution further invites intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations “to assist states, at their request, in organizing national activities for the observance of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, paying due attention to the specific problems of the destitute”
According to the UN, October 17th presents an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard, and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Participation of the poor themselves has been at the centre of the Day's celebration since its very beginning. The commemoration of October 17th also reflects the willingness of people living in poverty to use their expertise to contribute to the eradication of poverty.
With the global economic crisis, the food crisis and the impacts of climate change combining to reverse the gains made over the past few years in reducing poverty, redoubled efforts by world leaders are required if nations are to continue to move forward on achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
As the gap between the super rich and the poorest communities on the planet continues to grow, global poverty, more than ever before, is alarmingly on the rise.Throughout the world, it is mostly women and children who bear the brunt of poverty. The year 2009 coincides with the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child,which will be marked on November 20th. UN figures show that each year, nearly 10 million children die from preventable causes before their fifth birthday, and that that some 1.2 million children are trafficked worldwide.
In recognition of this, the 2009 observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty focuses on the plight of children and families living in poverty and the need to fulfill children's rights in partnership with them and in keeping with the Convention.
When it comes to global poverty, the statistics are grim. Every 3 seconds, a child dies of extreme poverty. Over 1 billion people around the world live on less than $1 a day while in Canada, over 1 million children live in poverty. In addressing these challenges, anti-poverty groups in Canada and beyond demand a more and better aid for developing nations, trade justice, debt cancellation and an end to child poverty.
Despite rapid economic growth in the last two decades, it is estimated that a large number of Canadians still live in poverty. But a Pan-Canadian Movement to combat poverty is fast building as activists are mobilizing across the country to spearhead a united front to eliminate poverty in Canada. Dignity for All: The Campaign for a Poverty-Free Canada, was founded in 2009 by Canada Without Poverty and Citizens for Public Justice. The campaign notes that freedom from poverty is a human right and that all are entitled to social and economic security.
In combating the structural causes of poverty in Canada, the Dignity for All Campaign calls for a sustained action by the federal government including a federal plan for poverty elimination that compliments provincial and territorial plans, a federal anti-poverty Act that ensures enduring federal commitment and accountability for results and a sufficient federal investment in social security for all Canadians.
On the international front, concerted efforts by social justice and anti-poverty groups, international organizations and governments from around the world are needed to make poverty history.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
London is Profiting from Somalia Piracy
By Farid Omar
Since the collapse of central government in Somalia in 1991, pirates have reigned supreme over the Somali high seas, hijacking commercial vessels and ships carrying humanitarian supplies. In the latest incident, pirates have released the Ukrainian freighter, MV Faina, walking away with an estimated $3.2 million in ransom money.
Piracy is a lucrative business in war-torn Somalia. Last year alone, pirate gangs were paid an estimated £35million from holding 40 ships and hundreds of crew members to ransom. Some sources claim that Somali pirates may have collected as much as $150 million last year although this figure could not be independently verified. While piracy continues to be a menace, it is was the pirates who hijacked the MV Faina, loaded with 33 tanks, artillery, grenade launchers and ammunition who captured global attention. The pirates had no idea that their booty was an estimated $30 million worth of deadly weaponry, heading for South Sudan via Kenya.
While the western media has often focused its attention on Somali pirates, the international community has paid a blind eye to the ravaging of Somali seas by foreign vessels that either fish illegally or dump toxic material, including nuclear waste in Somali territorial waters in flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the beleaguered East-African nation.
Sugunle Ali, a spokesman for the pirates on the just released MV Faina, once told the New York Times that in the eyes of the world, the pirates had been misunderstood.
"We don´t consider ourselves sea bandits," he said. "We consider sea bandits those who illegally fish in our seas and dump waste in our seas and carry weapons in our seas. We are simply patrolling our seas. Think of us like a coast guard." In Somalia, pirates claim that they only impose heavy "fines" as opposed to claiming "ransom" when seizing ships that illegally enter Somali seas.
Col. Gaddafi, the newly-minted African Union (AU)chairman, recently told Kenya's Daily Nation that he doesn't believe that Somalia's piracy was a crime.
" It is a response to greedy western nations, who invade and exploit Somalia's water resources illegally". Said the Libyan President. " It is not piracy, it is self-defence.It is defending Somalia children's food". Col Gaddafi argued.
After the collapse of the Somali state, there were no patrols along the shoreline and Somalia´s tuna-rich waters were soon plundered by commercial fishing fleets from around the world. Somali fishermen armed themselves and turned into vigilantes by confronting illegal fishing boats and demanding that they pay a tax.
However, things later got out of hand as the vigilantes in the high seas quickly transformed themselves into pirates hijacking any vessels they could catch.
But unknown to most in the rest of the world, Somali pirates are not the only ones benefiting from this high stakes industry. Last month, the BBC reported that the hijacking of ships off the coast of Somalia has created a mini-industry for a business entity based in the UK. An investigation by Simon Cox, a BBC reporter, on how ransom is paid ,has revealed that money trails lead to one destination: London.
According to Cox, securing the release of hijacked ships and crew members is "the responsibility of a hidden mini-industry of lawyers, negotiators and security teams based nearly 7,000km away, in London, UK, the business capital of the world's maritime industry".
Simon Beale, a marine underwriter, says that all these specialist services don't come cheap in the UK. He adds that by factoring in the cost of lawyers, risk consultants, security advisers, as well as the fixed overheads, and delivering the money to the pirates , all these "can lead to doubling the ransom amount."
Cox adds that this hidden mini-industry thrives because paying a ransom is not illegal under British law unless it is paid to terrorists. It has long been established that piracy in Somalia does not constitute a politically motivated act as pirates simply hold vessels for ransom. As such, they are treated as criminal gangs in the high seas, not terrorists.
Cox notes that last year, Somali pirates pocketed an estimated $50m. "Not all of this is going to British lawyers, negotiators and security teams but a fair chunk of it will be". Says Cox. "This has led to some criticism, particularly in Spain, that London is profiting from crime".
In dealing with piracy, the best solution is for the international community to put to an end the illegal fishing and dumping of toxic waste in Somali waters as well as reign in on the mini industry in UK that is profiting from this criminal enterprise.
More importantly, piracy can only be rooted out if the international community supports the creation of a peaceful and stable state in Somalia. This would entail the promotion of an inter-Somali dialogue that would bring together all parties in the Somali conflict in direct negotiations on the way to finding a lasting solution to the political crisis in Somalia.
Since the collapse of central government in Somalia in 1991, pirates have reigned supreme over the Somali high seas, hijacking commercial vessels and ships carrying humanitarian supplies. In the latest incident, pirates have released the Ukrainian freighter, MV Faina, walking away with an estimated $3.2 million in ransom money.
Piracy is a lucrative business in war-torn Somalia. Last year alone, pirate gangs were paid an estimated £35million from holding 40 ships and hundreds of crew members to ransom. Some sources claim that Somali pirates may have collected as much as $150 million last year although this figure could not be independently verified. While piracy continues to be a menace, it is was the pirates who hijacked the MV Faina, loaded with 33 tanks, artillery, grenade launchers and ammunition who captured global attention. The pirates had no idea that their booty was an estimated $30 million worth of deadly weaponry, heading for South Sudan via Kenya.
While the western media has often focused its attention on Somali pirates, the international community has paid a blind eye to the ravaging of Somali seas by foreign vessels that either fish illegally or dump toxic material, including nuclear waste in Somali territorial waters in flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the beleaguered East-African nation.
Sugunle Ali, a spokesman for the pirates on the just released MV Faina, once told the New York Times that in the eyes of the world, the pirates had been misunderstood.
"We don´t consider ourselves sea bandits," he said. "We consider sea bandits those who illegally fish in our seas and dump waste in our seas and carry weapons in our seas. We are simply patrolling our seas. Think of us like a coast guard." In Somalia, pirates claim that they only impose heavy "fines" as opposed to claiming "ransom" when seizing ships that illegally enter Somali seas.
Col. Gaddafi, the newly-minted African Union (AU)chairman, recently told Kenya's Daily Nation that he doesn't believe that Somalia's piracy was a crime.
" It is a response to greedy western nations, who invade and exploit Somalia's water resources illegally". Said the Libyan President. " It is not piracy, it is self-defence.It is defending Somalia children's food". Col Gaddafi argued.
After the collapse of the Somali state, there were no patrols along the shoreline and Somalia´s tuna-rich waters were soon plundered by commercial fishing fleets from around the world. Somali fishermen armed themselves and turned into vigilantes by confronting illegal fishing boats and demanding that they pay a tax.
However, things later got out of hand as the vigilantes in the high seas quickly transformed themselves into pirates hijacking any vessels they could catch.
But unknown to most in the rest of the world, Somali pirates are not the only ones benefiting from this high stakes industry. Last month, the BBC reported that the hijacking of ships off the coast of Somalia has created a mini-industry for a business entity based in the UK. An investigation by Simon Cox, a BBC reporter, on how ransom is paid ,has revealed that money trails lead to one destination: London.
According to Cox, securing the release of hijacked ships and crew members is "the responsibility of a hidden mini-industry of lawyers, negotiators and security teams based nearly 7,000km away, in London, UK, the business capital of the world's maritime industry".
Simon Beale, a marine underwriter, says that all these specialist services don't come cheap in the UK. He adds that by factoring in the cost of lawyers, risk consultants, security advisers, as well as the fixed overheads, and delivering the money to the pirates , all these "can lead to doubling the ransom amount."
Cox adds that this hidden mini-industry thrives because paying a ransom is not illegal under British law unless it is paid to terrorists. It has long been established that piracy in Somalia does not constitute a politically motivated act as pirates simply hold vessels for ransom. As such, they are treated as criminal gangs in the high seas, not terrorists.
Cox notes that last year, Somali pirates pocketed an estimated $50m. "Not all of this is going to British lawyers, negotiators and security teams but a fair chunk of it will be". Says Cox. "This has led to some criticism, particularly in Spain, that London is profiting from crime".
In dealing with piracy, the best solution is for the international community to put to an end the illegal fishing and dumping of toxic waste in Somali waters as well as reign in on the mini industry in UK that is profiting from this criminal enterprise.
More importantly, piracy can only be rooted out if the international community supports the creation of a peaceful and stable state in Somalia. This would entail the promotion of an inter-Somali dialogue that would bring together all parties in the Somali conflict in direct negotiations on the way to finding a lasting solution to the political crisis in Somalia.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Zimbabwe : Coalition Deal Finalized
By Farid Omar
After months of bitter wrangles on how the most powerful cabinet posts were to be shared out in Zimbabwe's coalition government deal, Southern African leaders, who have been mediating for a durable settlement have persuaded Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to join a joint administration despite their concerns over Zanu-PF's commitment to sharing power. The power-sharing deal was agreed in September 2008 but has been mired by bitter disputes.
In light of this new development, Zimbabwe's parliament has unanimously approved a constitutional amendment allowing opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai to become prime minister.
Mr Mugabe is expected to sign the amendment on Friday and Mr Tsvangirai is due to be sworn in on 11 February.
Negotiators are still trying to hammer out who gets what ahead of the unity government taking over on 13 February.
Months after the ruling Zanu-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) signed a power sharing-deal; Zimbabwe still doesn’t have a new coalition cabinet in place. Under the power-sharing deal, Mugabe is supposed to remain President and Tsvangirai, the MDC leader, is to become Prime Minister.
Zanu-PF and the MDC have been unable to agree on how to divide cabinet posts. The MDC insists that it should take control of the Home Affairs Ministry which controls the police. This, the MDC claims, would help curtail the harassment of its leaders and supporters.
The MDC has often accused Mugabe of not being sincere about power-sharing, saying that despite the deal, its supporters, party officials and human rights activists are still being abducted.
But Zanu-PF has long maintained that its security operations directed at subversive elements within MDC ranks are aimed at defending Zimbabwe's sovereignty against imperialist detractors. It views the neo-liberal oriented MDC as a reactionary force working in collusion with western imperialism. Zimbabwe, President Mugabe insists, will never bow down to imperialist interests.
Further, Zanu-PF has stated that it is committed to a power-sharing deal, pointing to last month's sacking by President Mugabe of nine cabinet ministers and three deputy ministers. All the sacked ministers had lost their seats in the last March polls.
On the economic front, President Mugabe has blamed the economic sanctions imposed by western powers as the primary cause of Zimbabwe's worsening economic conditions. Zimbabwe has been hit by a hyper inflation that is spiraling out of control.
On the cholera situation, the United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon has announced Robert Mugabe's agreement to allow a delegation of UN experts into the country to study the solutions which could be employed to stop the disease from spreading.
While Western governments blame the epidemic on the collapse of Zimbabwe’s health and sanitation system, the Zimbabwe government has blamed the outbreak on the British, stating that it is “a calculated terrorist attack on Zimbabwe”.
Last month, the Zimbabwe Herald quoted the information minister, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, as blaming cholera on “serious biological chemical war... a genocidal onslaught on the people of Zimbabwe by the British.”
|
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)